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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Pope was shot and killed while serving a bench warrant on a suspect who fled from the Halifax County Recorder's Court before paying a $25 fine. He was shot when he went to serve the warrant at the lumber mill where the man worked as a night watchman. The man was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Survivors
Deputy Pope was survived by his wife, mother, two brothers, and three sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Pope served with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Halifax community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Pope.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Halifax County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1940, 6 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1940, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1940, 226 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 24. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39.
William was 24. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
William was 24. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 10.1% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Wednesdays: 9.9%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Halifax County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Halifax County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 9-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Halifax County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
